Veterinary Services:

Pyometra in Un-Spayed Female Pets

A simple definition for Pyometra is a severe infection of the uterus. It occurs due to hormonal fluctuations and the reaction of the uterus to these changes. Any non-spayed female, whether it is a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, ferret or any other pet of any age and breeding status can develop pyometra. Spaying your pet is the only means of prevention.

Pyometra can occur with an open or closed cervix. With an open pyometra, a bloody or pus-filled vaginal discharge will be seen. If the cervix is closed, there will be no vaginal discharge but your pet will be in extreme pain. Unfortunately, Pyometra can develop quickly, the uterus can rupture and the animal can die very quickly.

Other common clinical signs are increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, distended abdomen, fever, vomiting and weakness.

Bloodwork will show an extremely elevated white blood cell count but a pyometra patient can also have elevated liver and kidney enzymes and anemia, among other changes. Radiographs will show an enlarged and distended uterus.

The picture below shows a cat with pyometra and compares the
size and color of a normal uterine horn with one with pyometra.